Muscles of the Cat

Cat Muscles are Located in this Gallery

Images of the cat dissection showing the location of muscles on the dorsal and ventral side of the cat.

1. Head and Neck Muscles:

   • Temporalis: Located on the side of the skull, it assists in closing the jaw.
   • Masseter: A powerful muscle that elevates the jaw for chewing.
   • Sternomastoid: Runs along the neck and helps in tilting and rotating the head
     
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2. Forelimb Muscles:
   • Biceps brachii: Located on the front of the upper arm, it flexes the elbow.
   • Triceps brachii: On the back of the upper arm, it extends the elbow.
   • Deltoid: Covers the shoulder joint, assisting in lifting and rotating the forelimb.
   • Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus: Muscles that aid in shoulder movement and stability.
     
     
3. Thoracic Muscles:
   • Pectoralis major: Located on the chest, it helps in forelimb movement.
   • Intercostal muscles: Found between the ribs, they aid in breathing.
   • Diaphragm: Separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, crucial for breathing.
     
     
4. Abdominal Muscles:
   • Rectus abdominis: Runs along the abdomen, aiding in flexion of the spine.
   • External and internal obliques: Assist in twisting and bending movements of the torso.
   • Transversus abdominis: Lies deep in the abdomen, providing core stability.
     
     
5. Pelvic Limb Muscles:
   • Gluteal muscles: Located in the buttocks, they aid in extending the hip.
   • Hamstrings: Located on the back of the thigh, they flex the knee and extend the hip.
   • Quadriceps femoris: On the front of the thigh, they extend the knee.
   • Gastrocnemius and Soleus: Calf muscles responsible for plantar flexion of the foot.
     
     
6. Tail Muscles:
   • Caudofemoralis: Runs along the tail and aids in tail movement.
   • Supracaudalis: Found at the base of the tail, assisting in its movement and stabilization.

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Resources on the Cat Dissection

Cat Dissection Handout